Our Joyful Noise Baltimore: Executive Director
Position Title: Executive Director
Location: Baltimore, MD (in-person)
Position Type: Part-time (20 hours per week flexibly distributed throughout the month; includes some weekends and evenings)
Start Date: July 1, 2025 (FY2026)
Transition Period: Hands-on training with current Executive Director beginning on July 1, 2025
Salary Range: $35/hour for 20 hours/week on average
About Our Organization
Founded in 2017, Our Joyful Noise Baltimore (OJN) serves the essential human need for beauty and connection through music. Our motto, "Kinship and the Power of Music," reflects our commitment to providing free, professional-quality live musical performances and educational experiences to underserved and often forgotten communities in the Baltimore area. Our vision is of a world where all people—regardless of economic situation, disability challenge, or circumstance—have easy access to the life-affirming splendor of live music.
Currently, Our Concerts Reach Diverse Audiences Including
- Military veterans facing homelessness and substance addiction
- People with disabilities (autism and Alzheimer's) and their families
- Incarcerated women and correctional officers
- Cancer patients and their caregivers
- Residents of underserved South and West Baltimore neighborhoods, including an after school program
Position Overview
Our Joyful Noise Baltimore seeks a dynamic Executive Director to lead our community music organization. This role combines strategic leadership, community engagement, and hands-on program management. The position requires approximately 20+ hours per week, with time allocation varying seasonally based on programming needs. The ideal candidate will combine administrative and fundraising expertise with a passion for community-based music programming and a deep commitment to serving diverse audiences.
Primary Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Development
- Lead fundraising efforts including donor cultivation, grant writing, and management of donor relationships
- Oversee financial management including budgeting, expense tracking, and tax preparation
- Maintain 501(c)(3) compliance and board relations
- Direct strategic planning and seasonal programming
- Plan and execute annual fundraising gala
Program Management
- Coordinate with venue partners, including correctional facility and community venues
- Schedule and produce five annual residencies plus special events
- Hire and manage musicians, staff, and volunteers
- Oversee specialized programming, including Azure concerts for families living with autism
- Maintain equipment inventory and coordinate technical needs for performances
- Provide on-site management for all performances
Community Engagement
- Serve as the organization's primary representative to audiences and community partners
- Build and maintain relationships with donors, venue partners, and community stakeholders
- Manage media presence including website, social media, and promotional materials
- Create newsletters and other donor communications
Required Skills
- Experience in fundraising and grant writing
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Commitment to community engagement through music
- Knowledge of music and musicians
- Knowledge of and love for Baltimore
- Excellence in written and verbal communication
- Financial management capabilities
- Leadership and team-building capabilities
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
Physical Requirements
- Ability to transport and set up musical equipment
- Travel between various venues throughout Baltimore
- Standing for extended periods during events
Time Allocation
Based on our annual activities, the Executive Director's time is typically distributed as follows:
Category Percentage
Fundraising
37%
Grant writing, donor cultivation, campaign management
Event Preparation
23%
Program planning, artist coordination, venue logistics
Events
13%
Direct oversight of performances
Financial Management
6%
Budgeting, bookkeeping, tax preparation
Gala Coordination
11%
Annual fundraising event planning and execution
Donor Relations
8%
Newsletter creation, acknowledgments, stewardship
Board Activities
2%
Meeting preparation, governance support
Monthly Focus Areas
The Executive Director's work varies throughout the year, with certain periods requiring more intensive focus on specific activities. OJN’s fiscal year runs from July 1-June 30.
- July-September: Fundraising, FY planning, summer programs, upcoming concert series preparation, staff training, equipment update, supply ordering, 990-EZ preparation
- October-November: Concert Series #1, annual gala preparation and execution, newsletter and donor solicitation for end of year campaign, upcoming concert series preparation
- December-January: Concert Series #2 and #3, donor acknowledgments, 1099 preparation, grant reporting, board meeting, upcoming concert series preparation
- February-March: Fundraising, Concert Series #4, season scheduling, venue coordination, upcoming concert series preparation
- April-June: Fundraising, Concert Series #5, artist and staff hiring, budget preparation, board meeting, summer event preparation
Compensation
OJN has a full year of operating expenses, including the salary for this position, secured for FY26 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026). The new Executive Director will be responsible for fundraising to sustain programming and compensation.
Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and CV to: Maria Lambros Kannen, Executive Director, at maria@ourjoyfulnoisebaltimore.org. Cover letters should include the following:
- Describe your background in fundraising, leadership, community engagement and music.
- What is it in particular about Our Joyful Noise Baltimore that interests you in this position?
- What are your values and skills relevant to this position?
- Why do you think you are a good fit for this position?
Review of applications will begin on April 28, 2025.
